Roger Raaum, 73

Roqer Allen Raaum, 73, Alexandria, formerly of Anoka, graced us with his presence from October 5, 1936 to March 7, 2010. He left the enjoyment of vacation in Arizona and passed away peacefully with his wife of 31 years by his side. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother joins his parents, Waldemar and Irene (Rosten) Raaum and his daughter, Nancy Brusletten, to serve our Lord in heaven.

Roger’s passion for life will continue through his wife, Linda; children, Greg Raaum (Inger) of Kensington, stepson, Steve Hviding (Kara) of Princeton, and Paula Carlson (Ryan) of Grand Forks, ND; sister, Barbara (Robert) Rieck of Evansvil!e; son-in-law, Ronald Brusletten of Shakopee; grandsons, Luke, Matthew and Cameron Brusletten and Jack, Jonah and Isaac Hviding; step-granddaughter, Janice Tedesco; and countless other relatives and friends.

Born in Glenwood, Roger started school in District #29. He was confirmed at West Zion Lutheran Church in Hancock, attended junior high school in Moorhead, and graduated from Frazee High School in June 1954. He attended carpenter school at Dunwoody in Minneapolis for two years. Roger worked for Bor-Son Construction for 44 years. Hired as a carpenter, he was promoted to a foreman and later became a superintendent, before retiring as the vice president of field operations.

Throughout his career, Roger was an active member with the Minnesota Concrete Council; LECET of Minnesota; Northland College Carpentry; and numerous board of director affiliations. He was awarded the “Who’s Who Among Top Executives of Field Operations” and the “Outstanding Service Award” by the University of Minnesota 55th Annual Concrete Conference in December of 2005 for “Outstanding and Dedicated Contribution to the Concrete Industry.”

An avid outdoorsman, Roger spent his free time camping, hunting and fishing. He shared his love of the outdoors with his children, grandchildren and friends.

For Roger, the most important aspect in his life was family and friends. Being a devoted husband, a perfect father, and a wonderful grandfather characterize his proudest achievements. He will be forever missed, but always remembered for his warm heart, playful humor, and enduring love.

A funeral service was held Monday, March 15 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria. The Rev. Dale Olson and the Rev. Mark Astrup officiated. Jeffrey Carlson, Cheryl Schimming and Randy Morken provided music. Interment followed at Eksjo Lutheran Cemetery in Lake Park. Casket bearers included Kevin Lachowitzer, Dean Holm, Don Arm, Jeff Aslakson, Bob Ruck, Curtis Rieck and Marvin Fabayanski. Honorary casket bearers included Roger’s colleagues at Bor-Son, members of the Alexandria Evening Lions and his good friends.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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